Greenwich Business Awards Winners 2021

Businesses supported by Peabody win at this year's Awards.

Published: 09/11/2021

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The Royal Borough of Greenwich Business Awards celebrate and recognise achievements over the last 18 months including how businesses have adapted and innovated despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic.

- About the Awards

The shortlist

Four businesses supported by the Peabody Enterprise Programme, which supports small businesses across London and the South East, were shortlisted from over 230 nominations for the Awards this year:

• Infinite Catering – shortlisted for the Greenwich Food & Hospitality Award
• BridgeGap Media – shortlisted for Workforce Development Award
• Fast Shield Packaging Ltd – shortlisted for the  Greener Greenwich Award
• Unaji and Co – shortlisted for the Young Entrepreneur Award

All four businesses on the shortlist were supported by our Programme in a variety of ways. This included: invitations to participate in our monthly business forums for information, advice and guidance; introductions to our partners and the potential to be added to our supplier list; signposting to local events and opportunities to trade; and access to training.

The winners

We’re delighted to announce that two of these businesses were announced outright winners at this year’s Awards ceremony on Friday 22 October:

• Brothers and co-founders Emmanuel and Lemuel Unaji of Unaji & Co who won the Young Entrepreneur Award and
• Diego Gomes, Director of Fast Shield Packaging (www.fastshield.com) who won the Greener Greenwich Award

Emmanuel Unaji, co-founder of Unaji & Co, says: “I felt overwhelmed with joy when we won this award. The standard of the Young Entrepreneur category was extremely high so we're incredibly honoured to be recognised. It also made us very excited for future projects and creative partnerships – our momentum now is exceptional!"

The Peabody Enterprise Team have supported Emmanuel and Lemuel since meeting them four years ago. Emanuel added: "The support from Peabody has been phenomenal, it challenged us to develop a more efficient infrastructure. It has majorly impacted our outlook on business. The support has encouraged us to believe in ourselves as valid young professionals and also that our artistic perspective can contribute to the creative sector and wider society. We would highly recommend others to get involved for development and organic growth!”

The other winner, Diego Gomes, Director of Fast Shield Packaging, said: “I was in total disbelief at winning both awards. I was grateful for the recognition I had received for my company’s work because I am sure every other nominee was as capable, if not more, of winning these awards."

Diego has been a member of our monthly business forum. He explains further: "Over the years I have received practical advice including useful contacts through Peabody’s monthly business forums. The ongoing support and relationship with the Peabody Enterprise Team has been invaluable. Quite simply, I would not be where I am without their support. I would highly recommend any company get in touch with the Peabody Enterprise Team for support and business growth.”

Diego was also recognised for his support to local businesses and community groups by sourcing and providing PPE during the pandemic and we provided him with introductions to key partners across Bexley and Greenwich.

Fast Shield Packaging Ltd also went on to win Greenwich Business of the Year. They were selected out of over 235 applications due to their hard work and commitment to the Greenwich economy. This award was judged and selected by Cllr Danny Thorpe, leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich.

If you are interested in joining the Peabody Enterprise Programme, please email us or call 07860 595414